To the editor:
Judging from an item in the Dec. 14 Republican it looks for all the world like we’re about due for another outbreak of Vahlsing disease. Loring Development Administration President Carl W. Flora is already infected, showing classic signs of boundless enthusiasm over some mysterious scheme for which he could not provide any details, but would require complete refurbishing of at least five old, rusty metal buildings at the cost of $5 million. Despite having no knowledge of the nature of this grand new industrial scheme, or what working skills would be needed, he predicts it could create 350 jobs in four years and up to 750 jobs after eight years. But first — and here’s the catch — local sources would have to come up with “matching funds” of $2.5 million.
This latest version of pie in the sky would undoubtedly be added to such previous enduring triumphs as the stinking pea viners and abandoned Birds Eye plant; starch factories and sugar beet mills forever polluting the Prestile Stream; refurbishing outdated military vehicles for past wars; ditto with rusted-out buses for proposed multi-million dollar schools for dwindling student populations; or a sign painting/construction shop for disappearing businesses. And what about the Chinese company that was coming to Loring to build railroad tank cars where there’s no longer a viable railroad connection?
Broccoli and canola are currently popular alternatives to Maine’s worn-out potato industry, but there are signs that they also may be losing favor. So what will be the next golden fad? Vast marijuana plantations, with pot pipes for sale in roadside farm stands? Don’t suggest it to the LDA — or could that be this mysterious new opportunity they already have in mind?
